Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A Quick Thought on the Relevance of Eschatology

Everyone has an eschatological vision (a vision or maybe a dream of where history is and should be headed)... some people think they know what it is, some people don't even know that they have one, others try not to have one, but every life will at some point be lived in the direction of their vision, everyone will be guided by their vision. It would be better to have a clue, to embrace an eschatological vision with some level of responsibility and intentionality than to be guided by something you haven't even thought about.

Here's a couple of questions worth considering:

Does your vision consider the poor, or just your own prosperity?

Does your vision include the world, or do you figure "it's all gonna burn anyway" and you'll be fine living in a heaven which is far far away?

Does your vision include diversity of thought and diversity of culture or do you expect everyone to eventually conform to one culture, one language, etc.?

Does your vision include violent overthrow or peaceful resistance?

These questions matter for whether or not we will be people who care for the least of these, love and appreciate the world in which we live, have an openness to and appreciation for people who are different from us, and live cross-centered lives rather than conquest-centered lives. You will, at some point, consciously or sub-consciously "be the change you want to see in the world" (Gandhi). What change do you want to see?

"I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.' And the one sitting on the throne said, 'Look, I am making everything new!'" _Revelation 21:3-5

1 comment:

Great words Wes. I really like that you point out the idea of diversity of culture and thought, I don't think we think about that enough when it comes to echatology, even they both separate us so much in the present. And lets be honest, how many black angels have you ever seen in depictions of heaven. Not enough.

You have been good at reminding me to think of more than just now. Thank you.

Quote of the "Day"

"Peace will come through dialogue, through trust and respect for others who are different, through inner strength and a spirituality of love, patience, humility, and forgiveness. Little by little, a culture of competition will be transformed into a culture of welcome and mutual respect." -Jean Vanier